The 1st Mar Portugal Forum, organised by the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) through the Algarve Marine Observatory (OMA.CCMAR), brought together researchers, policymakers, companies and financial institutions in Faro to discuss the role of the ocean as natural capital and a driver of sustainable development.
The event brought together more than 300 participants and aimed to bridge the gap between science, the economy and public decision-making. As Daniela Fazenda (Coordinator of OMA.CCMAR) highlighted, the challenge lies not only in recognising the importance of sustainability, but also in 'assigning value in a clear, measurable and shared way'. She emphasised that the Observatory represents precisely this transition from science to action, with projects already in development with municipalities and companies where scientific knowledge is being directly integrated into value chains and strategic decisions.
During the opening session, Maria da Graça Carvalho, the Minister for the Environment and Energy, emphasised the importance of sustainably managing the ocean, striking a balance between environmental protection and innovative economic activities. “The ocean is a strategic asset for all humanity.”
Throughout the day, the Forum brought together national and international experts for three panel discussions focusing on key themes for the future of the blue economy: (i) the ocean as natural capital; (ii) marine conservation finance; and (iii) sustainability governance based on scientific knowledge. The following clear conclusions emerged: On the scientific front: the need to treat the ocean as a strategic regional asset. In finance: the importance of measuring and valuing natural capital and transforming projects into bankable opportunities. In governance: the imperative to structure collaborative models at a regional level and accelerate processes that enable the generation of accounts, metrics and impacts.
The invited keynote speakers included marine science researcher Carlos M. Duarte; Isabel Ucha, the President of Euronext Lisbon; and Assunção Cristas, a jurist. They addressed the scientific, financial, and legal challenges associated with ocean sustainability.
During the event, the minister was presented with the 'Algarve Natural Capital' letter of intent, through which Algarve municipalities committed to establishing the region as a benchmark for the sustainable utilisation of its ecosystems, with a particular focus on ocean and coastal areas.
Another significant moment was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CCMAR and the Colombian organisation INUBAC, which strengthens international cooperation on marine sustainability.
The forum also included a tribute to Vanessa Barragão, an artist and Ambassador of the Algarve Marine Observatory, in recognition of her work linking art, the ocean and environmental awareness.
A clear overarching message emerged across the various sessions: ensuring a healthy ocean requires an integrated approach combining robust science, appropriate financial instruments, business innovation and effective public policies.
Endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the 1st Mar Portugal Forum aimed to establish itself as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, promoting concrete solutions that enhance the ocean's value as a natural, economic and social asset.
